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FIELD NARROWED TO 23 FOR 2001 INDUCTION CEREMONY

Twenty-three individuals who have distinguished themselves in the world of motorsports have been selected as finalists for election into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. In the final round of voting later this summer, five individuals will be selected from this group to be inducted on April 19th, 2001.

These nearly two dozen men represent virtually every form of racing, from stock cars to open wheel to motorcycles to power boats to airplanes. They were drivers, car builders, engine builders, owners, and pilots. They were also daredevils, pioneers and innovators.

"Many of our 130 media panelists commented last year on how hard it was to pick the top six for 2000, but I think their job will be harder this year, "said IMHOF Executive Director Jim Freeman. "I believe this group, our 11th, will be the most diverse we have ever had to pick from. There are no heavy favorites like there were last year when Andretti and Foyt were mentioned on virtually every ballot. It's going to be tough on the panel to pick only five."

Freeman noted that the semi-final group was supposed to be 20 people, but a four-way tie for the 20th spot resulted in 23 semi-finalists.

Formula 1 has Ettore Bugatti, Denis Hulme and Jackie Ickx, while Cannonball Baker, Sir Henry Seagrave and Chuck Yeager have all set world speed records. Briggs Cunningham made his name in sports car racing, Mike Hailwood was a nine-time motorcycle champion and Bill Muncey is the all-time win leader in unlimited hydroplanes.

As is the case with a great many racers, several in this group were involved in more than one form of motorsports. Richmond was Indy Rookie of the Year before moving to NASCAR. After his racing career, Baker became the first commissioner of NASCAR. Hailwood also raced F1, and Ickx competed in several kinds of racing. Kulwicki was an ASA champion before racing NASCAR, and Hulme was a Can-Am champion.

Official Finalists for the 2001 Induction Ceremony

Cannonball Baker - First NASCAR commissioner; set 200 records in different forms of motorsports.